The first time I saw my baby rolling was from facing up then to his side, and then facing down, this happened during one of our many now-routine sleepless nights. I got so excited I nearly fell off the bed—if only I had known what was coming.

Honestly, I feel like he’s had the ability to do this for a while. At 4 months, we were already practicing sitting, and he could lie on his sides comfortably. And every time he lay that way, there was this subtle movement that made you think “Ah, he’s about to roll over.” But nope, he’d just stay there chilling. So I’d leave him on the bed without worries.

But now? We’re in a whole new season.

He might not know it, but what he’s doing is called “teasing” in English. In his baby vocabulary, it’s probably “Tah.” Please, Tah your bumbum in one place, little man because mummy don tire. Especially after baths, trying to dress him feels like a battle. One quick head turn from me, and uncle is already on his side. Turn away again, and he could be halfway off the bed. That’s why changing tables have curved safety sides to prevent rough play.

And yes, I’m a good mum. But I’d be lying if I said I haven’t had the evil thought: “Maybe if he falls once or twice, he’ll stay in one place” Of course, I already know how that would go, I’d end up crying, beating myself up while he cries too. So no, I don’t let it happen. But the thought? It comes. I now understand how some parents get there.

Rolling Isn’t the Only Milestone That’s Shaking My Life

This rolling milestone didn’t come alone. Suddenly, everything I’m holding, or thought was out of reach, has become his new obsession.

Just the other day, I had him strapped to my back and went into the kitchen. There was a bowl with a bit of water in it, far from where I thought his arms could reach. Long story short: I ended up mopping the floor.

My phone? If I’m holding him and using it, he’s flinging it without warning. Little man can’t even grasp things well, but he’s reaching out like an experienced shopper in a baby store. It’s like buying books just for the pretty covers even though you can’t read yet.

My hair and earrings? Not safe. I’ve given up on fancy hairstyles for now, natural weaving it is,  because I refuse to let this small human keep pulling at me for his own amusement.

Honestly, if he must be adding new skills, can he also learn to sleep through the night? Make mama proud, but please with less stress.

Let’s talk about the “bite all you can” buffet. He doesn’t even have teeth yet, but everything must go into the mouth. Clean or dirty, edible or not, it doesn’t matter. Give him your finger? Into the mouth. Your forehead? Mouth. Nose? Yep, mouth again.

During bath time, I now keep the soap and water scoopers far away because I’m not about to tell “stories that touch.” This boy even tries to lick the sides of his bath like he’s sampling soap flavours.

What To Do In Coping with Your Baby’s Rolling Phase: How I’m Handling mine

I’m genuinely happy he’s hitting his developmental milestones. It’s a huge blessing. But sometimes? It’s just too much. Babies don’t know when to start or stop and as parents, we’re left trying to keep up.

So, here’s how I’m coping now that he’s rolling:

1. After-Bath Dressing

We used a changing table that came with his bed, it was one of the best decisions we made. The curved design helps prevent him from rolling off, though it doesn’t help if he suddenly sits up. Babies move fast, so I make sure everything I need while dressing him is within reach. No running around while he’s on that table!

2. During Awake Time

I keep him on the floor where I can easily monitor him or in his crib. There’s this padded mat aboki’s sell—I recommend getting the biggest size. Add a few toys and let them play safely. If you have the time, you can even make toys with materials around you. And if possible, get an older sibling to help keep an eye on them while you take a quick break.

3. Sleep Time Monitoring

Avoid placing babies on the sofa or bed unsupervised unless there’s a secure way to wedge them. By 4 months, babies can wake up and move without crying immediately. If left on their tummy, they can inch backwards and fall off the bed. Light pillows won’t stop them either. That’s why I strongly recommend an enclosed crib. Safety first.

I keep a close eye on my baby now. Sometimes I let him attempt the move, knowing I’ll catch him. But since he turned 5 months, I no longer leave him unsupervised. He’s so active now every second counts!